Must-see restaurants in Serbia

  • Kalemegdanska Terasa

    Belgrade

    By the fortress, this is a literal bastion of refined dining, featuring sumptuous dishes like rolled steak and goose liver with truffle sauce. One for the…

  • Sofa

    Belgrade

    As welcoming and cosy as the name suggests, Sofa is an ambient spot with a classy international menu featuring drool-worthy meat dishes (the crunchy ‘Sofa…

  • Radost Fina Kuhinjica

    Belgrade

    Barbecue-obsessed Serbia isn't the easiest place for vegetarians, but thanks to this candlelit eatery you'll never have to settle for eating garnish and…

  • Dokolica

    Belgrade

    It’s easy to get idle enjoying a cup of coffee, dinning or wining in this cosy bistro in Vračar neighbourhood. It does select heartier Eastern European…

  • Sakura

    Belgrade

    This swish spot serves arguably Belgrade's best Japanese food. It's no Jiro Dreams of Sushi, but everything is fresh, artfully prepared and served with…

  • Supermarket Deli

    Belgrade

    This delicatessen and restaurant is the place to go for everything from French cheese and Belgian chocolate to fresh fish, organic fruit and vegetables,…

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    Dva Jelena

    Belgrade

    A local icon, Dva Jelena has been dishing up huge portions of hearty fare amid painted wood panelling, kitschy portraits and antique musical instruments…

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    Writers' Club

    Belgrade

    The former haunt of local literati and the visiting elite (think Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre), this dignified spot is still a favourite for…

  • Hummus Bar

    Belgrade

    If you've had your fill of Serbian fast food, make your way to this little joint for fresh, flavoursome falafel rolls and shawarma. As you might expect,…

  • Mezestoran Dvorište

    Belgrade

    You'll wonder how many folks stroll right by this unremarkable residential building in Belgrade, not knowing this lovely Mediterranean restaurant is…

  • Café Veliki

    Novi Sad

    Far from Novi Sad's standard hotel restaurants, Café Veliki – inside Hotel Veliki – is a go-to destination for Vojvodinian cuisine in a hip, industrial…

  • Kod Lafa

    Niš

    On the left at this glorified fast-food stall, an army of perfectly grilled pljeskavica (Serbian-style burgers); on the right, a colourful array of…

  • Pleasure

    Niš

    This hip spot on busy Kopitareva, with a hilariously empty nonsmoking section, has a more varied (and vegetarian-friendly) menu than the traditional…

  • Homa Fine Dining

    Belgrade

    Homa chef Filip Ćirić's modern fusion fare takes an adventurous ride through creative haute-cuisine, peppered with influences combing lands from Japan to…

  • Burger House

    Belgrade

    Sometimes you just need a juicy, sloppy, American-style burger and this American-Serbian operation does a fine job, right off Knez Mihailova. Burgers come…

  • Čarda Aqua Doria

    Novi Sad

    All aboard for romance, river views and rich fish dishes! Bobbing in the shadow of Petrovaradin Fortress, this beautiful – if touristy – restaurant is…

  • Panorama

    Serbia

    For some refreshingly non-Balkan dining in an elegant setting with impeccable service – and unbeatable views of the city – head straight to the rooftop…

  • Bermet Villa

    Serbia

    Facing the cathedral, Bermet's terrace is a prime spot for people-watching over a leisurely meal. It's strong on traditional Serbian dishes – try the…

  • Javor

    Tara National Park

    Across the road from Hotel Omorika, Javor is true to its mountain setting with large outdoor bench-style tables in the shade of tall pine trees. It's the…

  • Burek Plus

    Novi Sad

    Get in line with the locals at Novi Sad's best bet for burek (hearty, stuffed phyllo pastries) – this dead-simple spot churns out delicious meat, cheese,…

  • Fruškogorski Jelen

    Fruška Gora National Park

    Conveniently located in the centre of Vrdnik, the folksy Jelen ('Deer') is easy to spot due to its attractive front garden with a small stream rushing…

  • Kafana Bates

    Subotica

    This isn't a place for a light nibble: the chefs ladle up huge portions of belt-busting Serbian and Hungarian dishes, from grilled meats and fish to…

  • Index Mirjana

    Novi Sad

    The consensus among Novosadjani is that this hole-in-the-wall of a sandwich shop produces the best version of the locally famous Index sandwich – an…

  • Zvrk

    Niš

    A local favourite for grilled goodness, this casual and cheap kafana is well-known for its lamb ćevapi (minced veal or pork sausages), pork ribs and other…

  • Restoran Sidro

    Serbia

    It would be a crime to visit Silver Lake without enjoying the just-caught, perfectly grilled fish from the Danube. Settle in at Sidro ('Anchor') on the…

  • Zlatna Ribica

    Serbia

    Book a seat on the outdoor terrace at Zlatna Ribica ('Goldfish') for a thoroughly seaside feel: the restaurant occupies a prime spot by the Danube, which…

  • Kafana Balkan

    Serbia

    The locals' favourite, this historic kafana (going strong since 1890) ticks all the boxes: red-chequered tablecloths and black-and-white photos of old…

  • Ferdinand Knedle

    Belgrade

    You'll feel like a kid in a candy store if this fun cafe is your intro to gomboce (dumplings), served here in all manner of delectable sweet and savoury…

  • Šadrvan

    Novi Pazar

    Of all the fast-food spots in the town centre, this no-frills joint (also known as 'Kod Jonuza') right by the sebilj (fountain) is the best for greasy…

  • Piknik

    Novi Sad

    This utterly charming restaurant by the Danube, with an epic garden, ladles out a varied menu of upscale fish, beef and pasta dishes to an appreciative…

  • Grand Restaurant

    Zlatibor

    For good, filling fare, including pastas, risottos, seafood as well as all the moreish meat you can poke a fork at, head to this popular restaurant…

  • Index Maja

    Novi Sad

    One of Novi Sad's most famous spots to indulge in the city's iconic Index sandwich, available here 24 hours a day.

  • Malevilla

    Belgrade

    Ambient seafood restaurant by the waterfront, which is classier than it appears on approach. The service is as exceptional as the seafood meals and Danube…

  • Reka

    Belgrade

    The most carousing of Zemun's Danube-side restaurants with nightly live (and lively) music. It also does grills and pastas if fish isn't your thing.

  • Jerinin Grad

    Serbia

    The ideal stop for a bite before making the climb to Maglič fortress, this roadside tavern has views of the hilltop ruins across the Ibar highway. The…

  • Srna

    Serbia

    As expected from a self-billed 'ethno-village' complex, you can feast on hearty traditional Serbian food – from punjena paprika (capsicums stuffed with…

  • Studenac

    Tara National Park

    For lunch with a view – of the famous Little House on the Drina, just below the terrace – relaxed, riverside Studenac is the obvious choice in Bajina…

  • Jezero

    Serbia

    A kafana that was once the film set for a famous Yugoslav 'black wave' movie, Jezero has a a homely atmosphere, with a timber-framed ceiling and sailor…

  • Restoran Lugarnica

    Fruška Gora National Park

    Sitting at the Iriški Venac crossroads, Lugarnica is a popular stop for Fruška Gora day-trippers. The heavy meals are good; the house speciality is game…

  • MED Caffe & Restaurant

    Novi Pazar

    Your best bet on the main pedestrian drag, this modern split-level restaurant with framed inspirational quotes adorning exposed-brick walls offers an…

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